The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-30
THE FRENCH SITUATION.


Special to the Indiacapoiis Journa.
LONDON, Nov 29.-The French crisis pre-
sents new features, unless the gradual change
of sentiment regarding the attitude OF NJ Grevy
may be regarded additional phase. Never
in the history of elective office-holding has
there been a corresponding example of tenacious
clinglng to place in the face of popular desire to
be rid of the incumbent, nor has there been in
the life of the French republic anything like the
present undercurrent Of Incorporate opposition
to the governmental system. Agents of the
Comte de Paris and Prince Victor Napoleon
have sedulously canyassed the provinces in the
interests Of their respective principals within
the last fortnight. and every possible effort to
bring about plebiscite will be made, not in
pectation of success. but rather for
the purpose Of ascertaining the 'senti-
ment OF the country with regard to the
possibilities of the monarchy. However much
fidelity to the republic there may be in the dis
tricts remote from Paris, there is in that city
great desire for return to the glamour of the
third empire, and the means of achieving this is
not seriously considered. Among the people of
that class the monarchical emissaries have made
great headway, and it is from the class
that the republic has most to fear. NJ. Grevy
stands arraigned before the country upon the
serious charge of abetting his son-in-law, an
cupant of the official palace. in questionable not
to say dishonest, practices. and despite this he
clings to his office upon the plea that he is stand
ing between France and her enemies. The pop
ulace cannot however. understand the nice dis
tinction he makes. Assuming that he is the
statesman, scholar and advocate his reputation
ascribes to him. he cannot have been unaware
of the conduct of the be most trusted, and.
knowledge of Wilson's acts, he is not the emf
nent patriot and pure conservator OF the inter
ests of France that he is reputed to be. He
disclaims any responsibility for the pres
ent state of affairs, yet in his pertinacious
adhesion to his hieh-saiaried position that
prolongs the crisis and discouraees the efforts of
those who would prescribe remedies, NJ. Grevy
may, and doubt does, honestly believe that
his course is not only the best for himself but
the best for France; but he may live TO regret
his stubbornness. and realize that he alone is
responsible for the downfall Of the republic.
It is now said that the congress will meet on
Friday, but it is uncertain whether the message
when sent will contain the resignation of NJ.
Grevy. 1t is reported that he is saying very
strange and inconsequential things to visitors,
such that it is impossible that he should
leave the Elysee until his new house has the
dining room furnished, because it is impossible
that he should eat with his plate on his knees
These reports give uneasy impression that
the strain of the crisis may have turned the
octogenarian's head.
A part of the Radicals moving heaven and
earth to prevent the election of NJ. Ferry to the
presidency of the republic Such event, Paul
de Roulede declares would threaten an emeute,
and would cause so, 900 men to march to the
Elysee to prevent Ferry's entrance. Into whose
lap the coveted fruit will drop scarcely be-
predicted but thing is certain-that the
grapes far more likely to prove sour to the
man who receives them than to he who cannot
reach them.
President Grevys message to the Senate and
the Chamber of Deputies gives, as his reason
for resigning the presidency. the refusal of all
the leading men to form a Cabinet. He does
not complain or the attitude of the Chamber,
the Senate, or the Ministers, but deeply laments
the unexpected desertion Of those upon whose
friendship he had thought he could rely.
number of members of tbs Chamber of
Deputies to-day went to the palace of the Elysee
and requested President Grevy not to resign.
The members of the Left will not attend the
initial meeting OF Radicals, but will be present
at the plenary gathering at Versailles on Thurs
day morning.
The General Council to-day adopted a resolu-
ton in favor of Congress revising the ConstitU-
ton and aboishine the Senate and presidency.
Several Deputies waited upon Goblet to-day and
endeavored to induce him TO join Cabinet with
Clemenceau as Premier, with the object of
tanning Grevy in the presidency. Goblet de-
cIined.
It Is stated that the Due D'Aumale has been
in Paris for the last fortnight, entirely without
the knowl edge of the French authorities. The
activity of the monarchsts is said to be due to
the influence Of his presence upon the leaders of
that party in the Chamber of Deputies.
A Pen-Picture of the Complication.
W. E. Curtis. in Chicago News.
I had a conversation with highly educated
and experienced diplomatist, the other day in